Review of Christmas with the Kranks (2004) by Corey K — 08 Mar 2010

I will admit, the last time I saw this film was roughly when it came to DVD. That makes it about, oh, 2005 or 2006 at the latest. Sure, it plays on tv now during the holidays, but there is a reason why I avoid it.

The premise is simple enough, a couple who is used to always celebrating Christmas decides that because their daughter is going to visit, that they can use the money and time saved to go on a tropical vacation. Sadly, they learn at the last minute that said daughter changed her mind and will be coming home after all. Thus, with Christmas so close, and so many things already purchased, preparing for her arrival will be more difficult than ever before. Cue hilarity.

Exactly. Somewhere in between those Santa Clause films, Tim Allen thought it best to do another holiday film. This time, one where he isn't the man in red and can do some silly slapstick stuff. The man found his calling with family movies, and he really thought this would fit right in. I'm sorry to say, that despite the film being based on a John Grisham novel and written for the screen by Chris Columbus, it falls pretty short from being a holiday film I can recommend.

I felt like the comedy was too forced at times, and others, non-existent. The idea of neighbors and Christmas the likes of which appear in this movie, have been too many time before, and in better ways. Although I am a fan of Dan Aykroyd, and would like to say he saved the film so you can watch it, I cannot. Instead, I have to rank this film up there with the likes of which you will only have on in the background as you do laundry or something else. It keeps the Christmas theme going through the whole movie, and at times can provide an interesting soundtrack, but that's about it. Stick to a classic if you want the usual holiday cheer. That's just my opinion though.